ISC Newsletter - Vol 05 No 2 - 1986

Magazine Overview

The ISC Newsletter, Volume 5, Number 2, published in Summer 1986, is the official publication of the International Society of Cryptozoology. It features a cover interview with Arlene Gaal about the Ogopogo lake monster, an article on the rediscovery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Cuba, and reports on a Yeti expedition and Gigantopithecus research. The issue also announces the formation of the Cryptozoology Operations Foundation Group (COFG) and details recent board and membership meetings.

Interview: The Lady of the Lake Talks About Ogopogo

Arlene Gaal, a journalist and writer from British Columbia, has been investigating reports of Ogopogo, the supposed 'monster' in Lake Okanagan, since 1968. She is the author of several books on the subject. In this interview, Gaal expresses her firm belief that a large, unknown animal, or a colony of such animals, lives in Lake Okanagan. Her conviction is based on the credibility of witnesses, as well as photographic and film evidence, including the Folden film (1968), the Thal film (1981), and the Boiselle film (1982). She estimates that approximately 9 or 10 authentic still photographs have been taken since 1976. Gaal states that there are over 200 sighting reports on record, many from this century. The average number of reports per year is between 6 and 7, and she personally checks them, including hoaxes.

Gaal's initial theory in 1976 was that Ogopogo resembled a large sea snake, but her opinion has evolved. She now believes the animal may be similar to a fossil plesiosaur, but without the long neck. She describes it as having a reptilian head, a large shoulder structure, an elephant-like body, front and back appendages, and a long tail. She classifies it as being in the 'reptilian school' and suggests it is warm-blooded and adapted to temperate freshwater lakes. Gaal acknowledges the possibility of other lakes harboring different unknown animals but tends to doubt it. She finds many reports from other lakes, such as Lake Champlain and Loch Ness, sound familiar, suggesting they might contain similar animals.

Regarding theories of large fish like sturgeon, Gaal notes that while movement between the lake and the sea was possible earlier in the century, it is not now. Studies by the Okanagan Water Basin Board and divers confirm the absence of sturgeon in the lake. Gaal also mentions that British Columbia has about 15 freshwater lakes with 'monster' reports, suggesting they might all be the same animal trapped in different lakes since the Pleistocene. She notes that Canadian scientists, like those elsewhere, often do not take Ogopogo seriously, possibly due to a reliance on tangible, factual knowledge that is difficult to obtain for lake monsters. Gaal welcomes scientific investigation and attention, stating that the problem is unrelated to tourism and is a genuine zoological issue.

Her motivation stems from a lifelong interest in the unknown and a desire to find solutions. She was particularly sparked by Ogopogo reports in 1968 and the discovery of film footage. Gaal advises cryptozoologists to maintain an open mind, investigate facts carefully, and check the credibility of reports.

Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Found Alive in Cuba

The article discusses the ongoing debate about the survival of the ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis), North America's largest woodpecker. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) initiated a 'status review' in early 1985 to determine if the species is extinct in the United States. While many reports over the past 30 years were identified as pileated woodpeckers, some suggested the possibility of ivory-bills wandering the southeastern U.S. during the 1950s and later. The USFWS encouraged the submission of any biological information. A meeting of experts in January 1986 evaluated recent eyewitness reports, leading to a decision for a 5-year 'last-ditch' search before declaring the bird officially extinct.

Despite challenges like swamp terrain and funding, experts like Jerome A. Jackson remain optimistic, while James T. Tanner is more cautious due to past fruitless searches. The situation took a dramatic turn with recent unconfirmed reports from Cuba. Lester L. Short, a woodpecker expert, joined a Cuban expedition in 1985 and, on March 16, 1986, a definite sighting of an ivory-billed woodpecker occurred in Guantanamo Province. Further searches by Short and a team in April 1986 yielded fleeting glimpses, suggesting at least two or three birds were present, though no photographs were obtained. The discovery has generated excitement in Cuba, leading to logging operations being closed down. Dr. Short noted the potential economic hardship but emphasized the rarity of the birds and their precarious survival.

The discovery has raised hopes for the species' re-discovery in the U.S. Southeast and potential reintroduction from Cuban stock. However, genetic and political issues need resolution. Dr. Short is involved in 'woodpecker diplomacy' to facilitate cooperation between the U.S. and Cuba. The article concludes by noting that if the species' presence in the U.S. can eventually be established, subspecies transplant may become unnecessary.

Chicago Membership Meeting

The Society's 1986 Membership Meeting was held on June 14, 1986, at the University of Chicago Medical Center. The meeting followed a Board of Directors Meeting. The first talk was by William P. Cacciolfi, Marc E. Miller, and Thukten Philip Sherpa on the 'Results of the 1986 American Yeti Expedition,' detailing their visit to the Khumbu region of the Himalayas and their examination of alleged Yeti evidence. Thukten Philip Sherpa discussed the strong belief in Yeti among the Sherpa people and the different types of Yeti reported.

The second talk was by Grover S. Krantz, a physical anthropologist, on 'A Reconstruction of the Skull of Gigantopithecus, and Its Implications for Sasquatch Research.' Krantz presented a three-dimensional reconstruction of the skull, noting its significant size compared to human and gorilla skulls, and its implications for Sasquatch research.

Christine Janis, a paleomammalogist, gave a talk on 'Possible Survival of Fossil Animals Into Historical Times,' proposing that certain fossil mammal species may have survived their extinction and been known to early civilizations, citing examples in ancient artwork and artifacts.

Richard Greenwell, the Society's Secretary, presented 'Preliminary Observations Resulting From the Acquisition of a Specimen of an Onza.' He reviewed the history of the Onza, a legendary Mexican cat, and the dissection of the first specimen obtained in Mexico in January 1986, detailing its characteristics and biochemical/osteological work being done.

The meeting concluded with a panel discussion where speakers answered audience questions. The absence of Charles A. Reed due to surgery was noted.

ISC Board Meets in Chicago

The Board of Directors met on June 13, 1986, in the Department of Biology at the University of Chicago. Leigh Van Valen, a paleobiologist, chaired the meeting, with ISC Vice President Roy Mackal also present. Key attendees included Board member Grover Krantz, ISC Secretary Richard Greenwell, and guests E. B. Winn, Christine Janis, and others. The Board approved the establishment of the Cryptozoology Operations Foundation Group (COFG) to help cover operational expenses. They also approved moving the Society Secretariat to a new office in Tucson and elected two new Board members. A policy change regarding the Society's sponsorship of expeditions or fieldwork was discussed, allowing for both laboratory-oriented and field-oriented research projects, provided they are approved by a committee, funded by the investigator or a third source, and channeled through the Society.

Message From the Editor

J. Richard Greenwell, the Editor, notes that Eugenie Clark and David Heppell have been elected to the Board of Directors, replacing founding members Forrest Wood and George Zug, who are stepping down after four years. Dr. Zug will join the Editorial Board. Greenwell expresses gratitude to the retiring members for their influence on the Society's direction and acknowledges the significant contributions of Forrest Glenn Wood, a marine mammalogist, in the Society's early years.

Society Foundation Group Formed

The Cryptozoology Operations Foundation Group (COFG) was established to address the Society's recurring financial shortfalls. The goal is to formalize Benefactor participation and attract more support. One Benefactor has offered a 'matching funds' challenge, doubling minimum $1,000 contributions up to a total of $5,000 annually. COFG members contribute a minimum of $1,000 per year, are tax-deductible in the U.S., and automatically become Benefactors with a lifetime membership, including all publications. COFG members are identified in publications but do not have policy-making roles. The initiative aims to put the Society on a more solid financial footing. At press time, two members had joined COFG.

Clark, Heppell Join Board of Directors

Eugenie Clark and David Heppell, who have served on the Editorial Board since 1982, have been elected to the Board of Directors, replacing Forrest Wood and George Zug. Both Clark and Heppell are stepping down from the Editorial Board, while Dr. Zug is joining it. Eugenie Clark is known for her work on shark physiology and behavior, with extensive fieldwork and publications. David Heppell is an internationally known mollusc expert, with a background in zoology and extensive fieldwork. He chaired the Society's symposium on 'Cryptozoology: The Search for Unknown or Supposedly Extinct Animals' in 1985. He is noted as the first British member of the Society's Board of Directors.

Loch Ness Yields One Secret

This article details the discovery and recovery of a British Wellington bomber, N2980, which crashed in Loch Ness in 1940. The aircraft, code-named 'R for Robert,' was detected by sonar in the 1970s and its identification was confirmed by divers. N2980 was one of only two surviving Wellington bombers and had a distinguished combat record. Plans to recover and exhibit it led to the formation of the Loch Ness Wellington Association (LNWA). The salvage operation, initially planned for September 1985, was delayed by bad weather and a failed attempt due to frame buckling. A successful recovery was completed on September 20-21, 1985. The bomber is now being restored for exhibition at the Brooklands Museum. The article also recounts the story of the crash, the crew's survival, and the pilot's subsequent Distinguished Flying Cross. A final note mentions that the all-terrain crane used for the recovery was built in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, the same location as a famous raid in which N2980 participated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the pursuit of the unknown and the importance of rigorous investigation, even when faced with skepticism or lack of funding. The editorial stance supports the scientific study of cryptozoological phenomena, emphasizing open-mindedness, careful fact-checking, and the value of eyewitness accounts and physical evidence. The formation of COFG underscores the Society's commitment to financial stability to continue its work. The rediscovery of species like the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and the ongoing research into creatures like Ogopogo and Gigantopithecus reflect the Society's core mission of exploring and documenting unexplained phenomena in the natural world.

The ISC Newsletter, Summer 1986, Vol. 5, No. 2, is a publication of the International Society of Cryptozoology. This issue features a 'Cryptoletters' section, where readers share their thoughts and observations on various cryptozoological topics.

Cryptoletters - Reader Correspondence

New Bear Species in Nepal Raza Teshin of Udaipur, India, writes in response to news of a possible new, small bear species in Nepal. He references Lt. Col. H. S. Wood's book 'Shikay Memoirs' (1934), which mentions a smaller, more savage variety of the Himalayan Bear called 'Sano Reech' by Nepalese locals. Teshin suggests that the range of this possible new species might be larger than previously suspected by Dr. Taylor-Ide.

Giant Caribbean Octopuses Ronald Rosenblatt of New York City shares an excerpt from Francois Poli's book 'Sharks Are Caught at Night' (originally published in France in 1957). Poli, who observed shark-fishing methods in the Caribbean, recounts Cuban shark-fishermen's descriptions of gigantic octopuses measuring 50 feet across. These creatures were said to be capable of dragging down 20-foot boats or seizing a man, and only surfaced on full moon nights with phosphorescent eyes. They moved with the speed of a shark, attacked with their tentacles, and feared only the cachalot (sperm whale). Cases of whales found with sucker marks the size of 'No Entry' signs are cited. Rosenblatt concludes that the giant Caribbean octopus appears to be a real creature based on accumulating evidence.

Sonar Investigations in Lake Champlain Richard D. Smith of Rocky Hill, New Jersey, provides an update on his 1985 Field Report concerning large, midwater sonar echoes recorded in the Lake Champlain Basin. He notes that while these echoes did not definitively represent contacts with large, unknown animals, they warranted further investigation by sonar experts. Two experts, Harold Edgerton (MIT) and William Konrad (U.S. Naval Underwater Systems Center), have commented. Edgerton noted the absence of a downward trace typically caused by a large body passing through the sonar beam. Konrad suggested the targets were likely 'good size fishes' whose horizontal resolution was evidenced by apparent spaces between returns. Smith emphasizes that while he drew no firm conclusions pending expert input, the examination was conducted, and the experts' comments are being shared. The ISC is proceeding with the use of sonar as a tool in cryptozoological research.

A Philosophical Quote The issue includes a quote attributed to Popeye: "There ain't no myskery to life. Ya gits borned an' tha's all they is to it."

Wood's Animal Facts

This section, abstracted from 'The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats' by Gerald L. Wood, focuses on the giant squid (Architeuthis sp.), also known as the Kraken of Scandinavian legend. Historically, the scientific world was dubious of its existence until the mid-19th century.

Historical Sightings and Strandings

• 1873: Two herring fishermen and a 12-year-old boy were attacked by a giant squid. Its estimated size was: head and mouth, 12 ft. (3.7 m.); tenacles, 32 ft. (9.8 m.); total length, 44 ft. (13.4 m.).
• Fortune Bay, Newfoundland: A giant squid stranded had a total length of 52 feet (15.9 m.).
• West St. Modent, Strait of Belle Isle, Labrador: Another large example measured 52 ft. (15.9 m.) and was noted to be much heavier.
• 1900s and 1930s: Further sightings and strandings occurred in the same waters.
• 1963-1967: Ten giant squids were brought to the Marine Science Research Laboratory at Memorial University of Newfoundland. The largest measured 31 ft., 6 in. (9.6 m.).
• 1878: The largest squid recorded ran aground at Thimble Tickle Bay, Newfoundland. This specimen, 'Architeuthis princeps', was described by Rev. Harvey as having a body measuring 20 feet from beak to tail extremity, with one arm measuring 35 feet.

Modern Record

• 1966: A 47-foot (14.3 m.)-long giant squid was captured by a U.S. Coast Guard vessel near the Great Bahamas Bank after an encounter with a sperm whale. Its remains were handed over to the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of Miami.

Organization Information

The newsletter also lists Honorary Members and Benefactors of the International Society of Cryptozoology and provides contact information for the ISC, located in Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the presentation of evidence and accounts related to cryptozoological subjects, encouraging further investigation and discussion among readers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting reader contributions and expert opinions without necessarily endorsing definitive conclusions, particularly in areas like sonar analysis where ambiguity exists. The inclusion of historical accounts and scientific data, such as the details on giant squids, reflects a commitment to documenting and exploring the unknown.